Circular Cosmetic Box with a Swivel Lid

New Kingdom
ca. 1492–1473 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 116
This box has a swivel top incised with a decorative pattern of concentric and overlapping circles that must have been made with an early version of a drawing compass. The inside of the box was incised with a simple rosette design. The box was found inside a coffin discovered in the tomb of Hatnefer. Other objects in the Museum's collection that were found in the same coffin include: a bowl and two dishes of faience (36.3.9–.10); two mirrors; and five amulets (36.3.20–.24).

A similar box from the same period, but made of ivory, is also in the Museum's collection.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Circular Cosmetic Box with a Swivel Lid
  • Period: New Kingdom
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 18, early
  • Reign: reign of Thutmose II–Early Joint reign
  • Date: ca. 1492–1473 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt, Upper Egypt, Thebes, Sheikh Abd el-Qurna, Tomb of Hatnefer and Ramose (below TT 71), coffin III, MMA excavations, 1935–36
  • Medium: Wood
  • Dimensions: Overall box: h. 5 cm ( 1 15/16 in.); W. (with tabs) 12.2 cm (4 13/16 in.); Greatest diam. 11 cm (4 5/16 in.); Diam. of base 4.8 cm (1 7/8 in.)
    Lid: Th. 0.4 cm (3/16 in.); Diam. 9.6 cm (3 3/4 in.)
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1936
  • Object Number: 36.3.11
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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